Effect of micronized fenofibrate on beta-cell function and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients with hypertriglyceridemia

Thirty six patients with hypertriglyceridemia and impaired glucose regulation or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, whose fasting plasma glucose was ≤8.0 mmol/L, were treated by fenofibrate for 3 months. Lipid profile, insulin during intravenous glucose tolerance test and oral glucose tolerance test ( including glucose) were measured before and after treatment After treatment, lipid profile was significantly improved. Insulinogenic index (△I30/△G30) and acute insulin response were significantly increased (98. 9vs. 129. 2, 3558.9 vs. 4783. 3 pmol · L - 1 · min - 1, respectively, P ＜ 0. 05 ). Fasting insulin and insulin resistant index in homeostasis model assessment ( HOMA IR) decreased ( 128. 6 vs. 84. 8 pmol/L, 4. 8 vs.3.0, respectively, P ＜0. 05 ). The improvement of insulin secretory function was more significant in patients with higher triglyceride (TG ＞ 3. 3 mmol/L). These results indicate that short-term lipid-lowering treatment with fenofibrate can improve β-cell function and insulin resistance. Patients with higher triglyceride are likely to achieve more benefit from lipid-lowering treatment. Key words: Hypertriglyceridemia;  Procetofen